With nearly all of 2021 in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to mark your calendar for the big 2022 political events.
After all, it is a gubernatorial election year. All 186 legislative seats – and power in Augusta – are up for grabs. On the national level, both U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree(D-1st District) and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-2nd District) will be forced to defend their seats.
There are likely to be more ballot questions to ponder, including another focusing on the state’s electrical service.
Without further ado, here’s how things are shaping up:
January
The second session of the 130th Maine Legislature begins Jan. 5 with legislators considering any bills held over and those considered so important they must be taken up now. More than 550 bills are in the hopper.
On Jan. 11, voters in Gorham and Scarborough will choose a new House member to fill the seat left vacant when Rep. Kyle Bailey (D-Gorham) stepped down to take a new job. Three candidates will appear on the ballot: Democrat James Boyle, Republican Timothy Thorsen and independent Suzanne Phillips.
And keep an eye out for the governor’s State of the State address in late January. Whether virtual or in-person, the annual speech gives the sitting governor a chance to tout accomplishments and set the agenda for the coming year.
February
It’s possible we will know this month which ballot questions are likely to end up before voters.
Three groups actively collected signatures at polling places this year in hopes of getting enough to make the November 2022 ballot. Once they turn their signatures in to the Secretary of State’s office, it typically takes several weeks for the signatures to be validated.
The three most likely to make the ballot:
“An Act to Prohibit Campaign Spending by Foreign Governments and Promote an Anticorruption Amendment to the United States Constitution.”
“An Act to Create the Pine Tree Power Company, a Nonprofit, Customer-owned Utility.”
“Resolve, Directing the Development of Legislation Establishing a Publicly Funded System of Health Care Coverage for All Maine Residents.”
March
The deadline to file for the June primary is March 15, when anyone interested in running for any state or federal office must register with the Secretary of State’s office.
This is when we will know how many primary contests there will be for the 186 seats in the Legislature, and who is running for Congress, governor and the eight district attorney positions. This will be the first election with the new electoral districts put in place earlier this year by a bipartisan commission.
April
The Legislature should formally adjourn for the year April 20 – or thereabouts. That’s the last session date set in statute, but many times the last day stretches into a few days later or at least until the wee hours of the morning.
Then on April 29-30, Republicans from across the state will gather in the Augusta Civic Center for their convention. It’s likely to be a high-energy affair featuring speeches by prominent party figures like former two-term governor Paul LePage, who is once again running for the Blaine House.
May
On May 13-14, the Democrats will gather, this time in Bangor.
In addition to hearing from Gov. Janet Mills, who is expected to seek a second term, U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden will get prominent speaking slots as they seek to defend their seats.
June
Primary day is June 14 and will give enrolled party members a chance to choose their candidates for the November election.
At this point, John Glowa of China and Kenneth Capron of Portland are challenging Mills in the Democratic primary for governor. On the Republican side, LePage faces primary challenges from Michael Heath of China and Martin Vachon of Mariaville.
In the 2nd Congressional District, four Republicans have filed so far: former U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, Liz Caruso of Caratunk, Garret Swazey of Bangor and Sean Joyce of Newburgh.
On the Democratic side, Michael Sutton of Bangor is challenging U.S. Rep. Jared Golden for the 2nd District seat.
July/August
While you are soaking in the rays at the beach or at camp, why not take a moment to check out the campaign finance reports filed by candidates, committees and those behind the ballot questions?
The race for the 2nd Congressional District is likely to be a high-priced contest and ballot questions often draw an interesting array of supporters. Also, who’s putting money into the governor’s race?
While the bulk of the major reports are filed after Labor Day, the summer check-in could be a preview of the amount of ads we’ll see in the fall.
September
Speaking of Labor Day – September 5, 2022 – marks the unofficial start of the fall election season. Expect to see some candidates for office milking cows at the Windsor Fair, others stumping at Labor Day luncheons and some launching major television ad blitzes that are sure to dominate the airwaves for weeks.
October
Fall typically ushers in debate season for gubernatorial candidates. But with two already well-known politicians likely to face off, how and whether to debate will be an especially important question for Mills and LePage to ponder.
In a normal year, candidates make the rounds on the major television stations, which often partner with local newspapers and the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
November
The big day will arrive Nov. 8.
Voters will be asked to choose a U.S. Representative, a governor, a state representative, a state senator and a district attorney. There will be some ballot questions – we don’t yet know which ones – and in some places, local elections as well.
December
The new Legislature will be sworn-in on Dec. 7 and lawmakers will choose a new speaker and senate president.
Assuming there’s no fifth or sixth wave of the coronavirus, this is typically a day when family members pack the State House to celebrate the election of what will be the 131st Maine Legislature.
January 2023
The winner of the governor’s race is sworn-in Jan. 4 and will give his or her inaugural address.
